Results 601-620 of 1,403 for speaker:Noel Harrington

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals (2 Oct 2013)

Noel Harrington: The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the EU proposals before us. We will first deal with the proposals as listed in Schedule B. It is proposed that the proposals in Schedule B do not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed. We will now take decisions on the Schedule A items: COM (2013) 503 - proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation EC No. 219/2007 on the...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EU Framework on Market Access and Financial Transparency of Ports: Discussion with Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (2 Oct 2013)

Noel Harrington: The purpose of this meeting is to engage with officials from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in order to further scrutinise COM (2013) 296, establishing a framework on market access to port services and financial transparency of ports. On behalf of the Joint Committee I wish to welcome Ms Mary Lally, Ms Catherine O'Sullivan and Mr. Garret Doocey of the Department's marine...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EU Framework on Market Access and Financial Transparency of Ports: Discussion with Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (2 Oct 2013)

Noel Harrington: I thank Ms Lally for that.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EU Framework on Market Access and Financial Transparency of Ports: Discussion with Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (2 Oct 2013)

Noel Harrington: I thank the Ms Lally, Ms O'Sullivan and Mr. Doocey for attending and putting their presentation on the record. I propose that we take our decision on what to do next with a proposal to be taken in private session after we have concluded our session with the Secretary General of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EU Framework on Market Access and Financial Transparency of Ports: Discussion with Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (2 Oct 2013)

Noel Harrington: In relation to COM(2013)296, establishing a framework on market access to port services and financial transparency of ports, it is proposed that the committee will proceed by writing to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to ask it to take into consideration the committee's views and observations, as expressed at today's meeting, and to keep the committee updated on the proposal....

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EU Transport Matters: Discussion with Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (2 Oct 2013)

Noel Harrington: The purpose of this part of the meeting is to hear a summary from the Secretary General on EU matters in the Department, so that the committee can gain an insight into overall developments in EU legislation. On behalf of the committee, I wish to welcome Mr. Tom O'Mahony, Secretary General of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and his officials. I wish to draw their attention...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EU Transport Matters: Discussion with Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (2 Oct 2013)

Noel Harrington: I will open the discussion to members.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EU Transport Matters: Discussion with Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (2 Oct 2013)

Noel Harrington: I thank Mr. O'Mahony and have a few questions for him. In respect of the Connecting Europe facility, CEF, priority, he mentioned that a budget of €30 billion was allocated under the multi-annual financial framework. Has this amount increased or decreased as part of the multi-annual financial framework directive? In a linked question regarding the European transport guidelines and...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EU Transport Matters: Discussion with Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (2 Oct 2013)

Noel Harrington: Were they ships that were flagged outside the European Union?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EU Transport Matters: Discussion with Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (2 Oct 2013)

Noel Harrington: If the standards vary within the member states, is there a move to converge and bring common standards in respect of both maritime labour and maritime safety?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EU Transport Matters: Discussion with Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (2 Oct 2013)

Noel Harrington: That would be great.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EU Transport Matters: Discussion with Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (2 Oct 2013)

Noel Harrington: I am very pleased to have the presentation before us, with particular respect to how the EU matters have been dealt with through the Department. I make a general point but it is one we hear all the time, about how Ireland interprets or implements EU legislation. One often hears it said - anecdotally - that we jump higher or faster than most EU countries. The regulations and directives have...

Freedom of Information Bill 2013: Second Stage (Resumed) (3 Oct 2013)

Noel Harrington: I very much welcome the opportunity to speak on the Freedom of Information Bill 2013. As we are all aware, it seeks to reverse much of the regressive, sinister legislation that was introduced by the former Minister, Charlie McCreevy, in 2003 which restricted the 1997 legislation that had been introduced by the rainbow Government. It is interesting to note that, internationally, the very...

Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Second Stage (Resumed) (3 Oct 2013)

Noel Harrington: I wish to share time with Deputies O'Mahony and Walsh. I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate. I recognise that the Bill is part of a progression building on successful legislation introduced in recent years, which has led to a dramatic reduction in fatalities on our roads. The greatest challenge the Government and the Road Safety Authority, RSA, face is complacency. It...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Schools Building Projects Status (3 Oct 2013)

Noel Harrington: 112. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the proposed schedule and timetable for completion of the proposed new combined secondary school in Skibbereen, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41659/13]

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments (3 Oct 2013)

Noel Harrington: 201. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a detailed explanation regarding a deduction made from the disadvantaged area scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41624/13]

Topical Issue Debate: Dáil Reform (8 Oct 2013)

Noel Harrington: I thank the Ceann Comhairle's office for selecting this issue. I acknowledge and thank the Taoiseach and his Government for laying an important referendum on fundamental Oireachtas reform before the people. Our first action in the Chamber should be to respect the people's decision fully. We should also acknowledge that the referendum debate opened up issues other than that which was on the...

Topical Issue Debate: Dáil Reform (8 Oct 2013)

Noel Harrington: I welcome the Taoiseach's comments and, in particular, his words about the presentation of heads of a Bill before committees. That alone would provide an invaluable opportunity to Deputies and Senators on all sides, and civic society, to be free to express their ideas on the heads of a Bill. It would ultimately lead to a more consultative, less adversarial approach to legislation. It would...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Broadband Services Provision (9 Oct 2013)

Noel Harrington: 143. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the poor broadband service experienced by residents and businesses in Skibbereen, County Cork, over the past few weeks will be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42556/13]

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Forthcoming Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council: Discussion with Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (9 Oct 2013)

Noel Harrington: I thank the Minister for that presentation. I presume a balancing act will be required. Airlines may say it is not worth providing these connections. It will be necessary to achieve some reasonable level of balance between rights and an incentive for airlines to provide those services. The Secretary General of the Department was before the committee at a previous meeting and I raised...